Pandavas
Virata
विराट
King of Matsya
Who was Virata?
Virata (विराट): King of Matsya, one of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. The honest, aging king of Matsya in whose court the Pandavas spent their thirteenth year disguised as servants.
Quick Facts
| Sanskrit name | विराट |
|---|---|
| Title / Epithet | King of Matsya |
| Faction | Pandavas |
| Key traits | Honest, Hospitable, Trusting, Loyal Ally |
| Notable relationships | Son: Uttara, Daughter: Uttaraa, Courtier 'Kanka': Yudhishthira |
| Featured in | 3 stories |
About Virata
The honest, aging king of Matsya in whose court the Pandavas spent their thirteenth year disguised as servants. Unknowingly sheltering the greatest warriors alive, he later gave his daughter Uttaraa to Abhimanyu and his armies to the Pandava cause.
In Their Words
My court is open to all who serve with honest hands.
Virata
Traits
- Honest
- Hospitable
- Trusting
- Loyal Ally
Story Appearances
- The Year of MasksUnknowing host of the Pandavas
- The Year of DisguiseKing served by disguised heroes
Character Arc
- The HostShelters five strangers unknowingly
- The AllianceJoins his house to the Pandavas
Key Relationships
- SonUttara
- DaughterUttaraa
- Courtier 'Kanka'Yudhishthira
Places in Virata's Story
Drawn from the stories Virata appears in.
Related Characters
Others counted among the Pandavas.